The Chargers are pursuing free agent running back Najee Harris, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Earlier today, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reported that Harris had been saying goodbye to some of his Steelers teammates, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler subsequently noted the Bolts could have interest.
Harris is more of a grinder than explosive talent, but he is about as consistent as it gets at the position. The 2021 first-rounder has played through injuries to start every game in his four-year career. After a 1,200-yard rookie season, Harris finished with 1,034, 1,035 and 1,043 over the next three. Next Gen Stats has not viewed him as an efficient ball-carrier, however, ranking him in the bottom third in rush yards over expected in 2024 and second-to-last in 2022. A finish in the top third of this metric did transpire in 2023, perhaps marking one of Harris’ few inconsistencies in a career that has also featured between six and eight rushing TDs each season.
Los Angeles is certainly in need at the running back position, as the club released Gus Edwards several days ago and could lose J.K. Dobbins to free agency. While Harris has established himself as a high-floor, low-ceiling type of player, Chargers offensive coordinator and run game guru Greg Roman — who is plenty familiar with Harris after having operated as the Ravens’ OC for the first two years of the RB’s career — may be able to help him find another level.
Even if that does not come to pass, there is plenty of value in having a steady, durable ball carrier near the top of the depth chart. Plus, regardless of whether the Chargers can push a Harris deal across the finish line, the team could certainly seek another addition in a draft lauded for its RB talent.
The Steelers will likewise be on the lookout for RB help. While Pittsburgh has retained Harris’ more dyamic running mate, Jaylen Warren, via the second-round RFA tender, the cupboard is largely bare beyond that (save for the change-of-pace looks that Cordarrelle Patterson can provide). The need for rushing talent will be heightened if the team fills its quarterback position with the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, whose running ability will not make anyone forget Justin Fields.
Harris has been living off his first round grade. The Bolts are going to be disappointed when they see him every day.
Careful there’s a lot of people on this app who haven’t watched him play every game for the last 4 seasons
I’m sure Harris was disappointed playing for Matt Canada behind that oline. Think he’ll be much happier and do much better playing for Harbaugh and behind their line in LA
Bye Najee.
Don’t like that for the Chargers, especially if Harbaugh is going to stick to a run heavy approach. Need someone better than Najee in the backfield.
Najee posted over 1000 in 4 straight years behind one of the worse OL in the league.
That being said he does not have explosive speed nor does he really let plays set up. He takes the handoff and goes.
Najee is going to rip it up for the
Chargers. He wasn’t the problem here. The O-line was. As was the unimaginative play calling
Big mistake by the Steelers
Not his fan club president or anything but the people who malign him tend to be fantasy football nerds, first and foremost.
I don’t know if your trying to down talk my post or what…
But I pointed out he rushed for over 1000 yards behind horrible OL
But there is no denying he doesn’t have break away speed. This is supported by the fact that in 4 seasons his longest run is 37 yards. There is no reason for that.
I’d easily take Dobbins over Najee.
Absolutely right